Lock-confirmation supporting device

ABSTRACT

To provide a lock-confirmation supporting device which helps a user to do the lock confirmation with the senses of a human being easily and surely at the time right after the locking operation, and to do the lock reconfirmation easily after being locked. A lock-confirmation supporting device is constituted of a key holder portion ( 2 ) in which a key is held and out of which it is taken by a user for locking and an electronic clock portion ( 3 ) comprising a clock circuit, CPU, ROM, RAM and a display unit. The lock-confirmation supporting device generates a lock-confirmed signal upon the user&#39;s key-returned action right after the locking oepration. Upon the lock-confirmed signal, the lock-confirming device stores in the RAM of the electronic clock portion ( 3 ) the real time as the lock-confirmed time and informs the user of the lock-confirmed time by displaying it on a liquid crystal display unit ( 18 ). The lock-confirmed signal is generated by a key-taken out or key-returned sensor means, a locking sound detecting means including locking sound sensor, for example, a microphone ( 5   a ) and the like or manual input switch ( 22 ) provided in the key holder portion ( 2 ). The lock-confirmed time stored in the RAM is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit ( 18 ) by operating a reconfirmation switch ( 7 ) after locking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field to Which the Invention Belongs

[0002] The present invention relates to a lock-confirmation supportingdevice which helps a user to do the lock confirmation with the senses ofa human being at the time right after the locking operation and to dothe lock reconfirmation after being locked.

[0003] 1. Prior Art

[0004] In case of going-out, everybody might have an experience offeeling anxious about whether locking has been done or not. If soonafter going-out, not a few users return to do the lock confirmation.Some users feel uneasy and ask their neighbors or relatives to see iflock has been done or not over the telephone. Especially, many old usersliving alone seem to do such action frequently. They have also similarexperiences regarding a safety check confirmation of gas, electricity,fastening doors of the house, etc.

[0005] However, people seem mostly to be seized with uneasiness when itis uncertain whether locking has been done or not within about an hourafter going-out, especially within the time they can return at once,namely about 10 minutes after going-out. Even though they do not return,they do not feel uneasy any more in a short time. It is considered thatthey try to think that it is all right or have interest in other things.

[0006] Generally people do locking unconsciously in a daily life. Inspite of this, they seldom forget to lock. However, they often feeluneasy about whether locking has been done or not.

[0007] To prevent from forgetting to lock, a user does the lockconfirmation. The lock confirmation is done at the time right after thelocking operation. The user keep in mind that he or she has locked withthe senses of touch, sight and hearing in the course of a series of hisor her actions for locking, wherein he or she takes a key out of a keycase, inserts it into a keyhole, turns it in the direction of locking,hears a locking sound like “GACHA”, withdraws it out of the keyhole andthen returns it in the key case. Such lock confirmation is a habitualaction in the user's daily life.

[0008] People who are cautious or feel anxious to everything confirmthat a door is not opened by operating a door knob right after beinglocked. They keep this action in mind, too. This lock confirmation isalso a habitual action to some people.

[0009] There is no trouble in daily life of almost all the people bydoing the lock confirmation with the senses of a human being. However,they are not always released from uneasiness about whether locking hasbeen done or not. For this reason, various kinds of conventionallock-confirmation supporting devices have been proposed.

[0010] A conventional lock-confirmation device is constituted of a lockdisplay means for displaying a locking/unlocking state and the time ofthe last key operation, a lock-sensing means for sensing the lockingoperation, and a display control means for driving the lock displaymeans on the bases of sensing the locking operation. The lock displaymeans is an electronic or mechanical one. The lock-sensing means sensesa straight-line motion of a key when it is inserted into a keyhole or arotary motion of the key for locking or unlocking. The lock-sensingmeans is an electronic, mechanical or electromechanical one whichgenerally has a complicated mechanism. A main body of thelock-confirmation devices equipped with these constituents is a keyitself or a special key holder. The conventional lock-confirmationdevice incorporated in a key itself includes movable members for sensingthe locking operation and displaying the locking/unlocking state in itshead. Therefore, such devices have an essential defect that cannot beapplied to keys which are popularly used for locks attached to doors ofhouses and cars. The reminder apparatus disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No.5,025,426 is an example of the conventional lock-confirmation devicestated above.

[0011] The conventional lock-confirmation devices equipped with aspecial key holder as a main body are disclosed, for example, inUnexamined Japanese Patent Publication (KOKAI) Nos. 6-212840, 7-233662and 10-238180. These lock-confirmation devices are intended to beapplied to keys which are popularly used for locks attached to doors ofhouses and cars.

[0012] Firstly, the conventional lock-confirmation device as disclosedin the publication No. 6-212840 is applied to a special case of a sizesimilar to a purse, in which a key is held and of which it is withdrawnout partially. Said conventional lock-confirmation device has a lineargroove, a key-mounting member for sliding along the groove provided inthe special case, a display lamp, and a sensing pin. When a main body ofthe key fixed to the key mounting member is withdrawn out of the specialcase, the sensing pin senses the partial withdrawal of the key andactuates a switch to turn on the display lump. However, thislock-confirmation device has a complicated mechanism for mounting thekey in the special case so as to keep it in the straight-line motion. Itis inconvenient for a user to do the locking/unlocking action, becausethe key itself cannot be taken out of the case completely. Furthermore,it is impossible for the user to confirm the locking by the display lumponly, because the display lump is turned on when the key is withdrawnpartially for the unlocking. Still further, there are many kinds of keyswith different size and/or shape. It is impossible to apply thislock-confirmation device having the key-mounting member with a certainsize or a mounting position and the sensing pin to those keys.Therefore, this prior art is not suitable for a wide use.

[0013] Secondly, the conventional lock-confirmation device as disclosedin the publication No. 7-233662 is constituted of a display magnet as alock display means which is put and rotated in the hollow formed at thefront end of a special holder of a key. The special holder holds only ahead of the key. The display magnet is driven by reciprocal action ofthe magnetic field between the display magnet and a driving magnetmounted on the outer front end of a key cylinder so that the displaymagnet indicates a locking or unlocking state. However, the displaymeans of the lock-confirmation devices is easily influenced by a shockor outer magnetic field so that the reliability of display is low.Further, as the head of the key must be kept in the special holderduring the locking operation, the grip portion of the key becomeslarger, resulting in some inconvenience to the locking/unlockingoperation. It is impossible to apply this lock-confirmation devicehaving the special holder with a certain size to those keys with variouskinds of sizes or shapes. Therefore, this prior art is not suitable fora wide use.

[0014] Lastly, the conventional lock-confirmation devices as disclosedin the publication No. 10-238180 has a lock display means provided in aspecial holder attached to a head of a key. However, thelock-confirmation device also has features that the special holderholding the head of the key is used and that locking is done while thehead of the key is kept in the special holder. Furthermore thelock-sensing means is an electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanicalone which has a complicated mechanism. Accordingly, it is inconvenientto do the locking/unlocking operation and it is not suitable for a wideuse, the same as the devices disclosed in the publication No. 7-233662.

[0015] Although people can understand that the lock confirmation withthe senses of a human being is correct nearly 100 percent, they areoften seized with uneasiness about whether lock has been done or not.The uneasiness comes from the difficulty in remembering whether theyhave locked or not. It is most likely to occur within about 10 minutesafter being locked that they are seized with the uneasiness as describedabove. Even within about 10 minutes after going-out, they can notremember their having locked. This comes from unconsciously doing thelock confirmation as well as the locking action. People can hardly keepin mind their daily actions which they have done unconsciously.

[0016] The conventional lock-confirmation devices are intended to recordthe lock-information on a mechanical or an electric memory means inplace of the user's brain, on the assumption that most of theunconscious actions done habitually in the daily life are not kept inmind. The lock-information is the time of the last key operation forlocking as shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,426. However, as statedabove, since the key cannot be detached or taken out of thelock-confirmation device at the time of lock confirmation, it isinconvenient for the user to do the locking operation. As a specialholder for the key is needed and the devices cannot be easily applied tothe keys of various kinds and sizes, this prior art is not suitable fora wide use. Consequently, the conventional lock-confirming devices donot seem to be put into practice. In conclusion, because an expensivehome security system or home automation system cannot be introduced tocommon houses, people cannot help relying upon the lock confirmationwith the senses of a human being.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0017] The first problem to be solved is to provide a lock-confirmationsupporting device which helps a user to do the lock confirmation withthe senses of a human being easily and surely at the time right afterthe locking operation.

[0018] The second problem to be solved is to provide a lock-confirmationsupporting device which helps a user to do the lock reconfirmationeasily after being locked.

[0019] The third problem to be solved is to provide a lock-confirmingsupporting device which can be widely applied to different kinds of keysin shapes and sizes including those which are popularly used for locksattached to doors of houses and cars.

MEANS OF SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0020] A lock-confirmation supporting device according to the presentinvention is constituted of, in combination, a portable electronic clockportion comprising a clock means, a central processor unit (CPU), a readonly memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM) and a display and/orspeaker means, and a key holder portion, whereby storing alock-confirmed time in the RAM and making the display and/or speakermeans inform it. The CPU detects a lock-confirmed signal and recognizesthe time measured by the clock means upon the lock-confirmed signal asthe lock-confirmed time.

[0021] The lock-confirmed signal is generated at the last action of aseries of locking actions, wherein a user takes a key out of a keyholder, inserts the key into a keyhole, turns it in the direction oflocking, hears a locking sound like “GACHA”, withdraws it out of thekeyhole and then returns it to the key holder.

[0022] Used as a lock-confirmed signal generating means are a key-takenout or key-returned sensor for sensing the key-taken out or key-returnprovided in the key holder portion, a locking sound sensor for sensingthe locking sound provided in the key holder portion or a portableelectronic clock portion, a lid-open/close sensor actuated by a lid ofthe key holder portion or the portable electronic clock portion, or amanual input switch, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an embodiment of thelock-confirmation supporting device according to the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing another embodiment ofthe lock-confirmation supporting device according to the presentinvention.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing still another embodimentof the lock-confirmation supporting device according to the presentinvention.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a key-taken out orkey-returned sensing means as a lock-confirmed signal generating means.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a locking sound sensingmeans as a lock-confirmed signal generating means.

[0028]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a lid-open/close sensingmeans as a lock-confirmed signal generating means.

[0029]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a manual input switch asa lock-confirmed signal generating means.

[0030]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a key holderportion having a key-taken out or key-returned sensing switch.

[0031]FIG. 9(A) is a block diagram of an embodiment of a key-taken outor key-returned sensor.

[0032]FIG. 9(B) is a waveform of an example of a lock-confirmed signal.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a key holderportion having a lid-open/close sensor.

[0034]FIG. 11 is a basic flow chart of the lock-confirmed operation ofthe lock-confirmation supporting device according to the presentinvention.

[0035]FIG. 12 is a flow chart of the lock-confirmed operation of anembodiment of the lock-confirmation supporting device according to thepresent invention.

[0036]FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the lock-confirmed operation of anotherembodiment of the lock-confirmation supporting device according to thepresent invention.

[0037]FIG. 14 is a basic flow chart of the lock reconfirming operationof the lock-confirmation supporting device according to the presentinvention.

[0038]FIG. 15 is a flow chart of reset operation of thelock-confirmation supporting device according to the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment of thelock-confirmation supporting device according to the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing another embodimentof the lock-confirmation supporting device according to the presentinvention.

[0041]FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing still anotherembodiment of the lock-confirmation supporting device according to thepresent invention.

MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, the embodiments of alock-confirmation supporting device of the present invention shown inblock diagram will be explained.

[0043] A lock-confirmation supporting device as shown in FIG. 1 ischaracterized by a key-taken out or key-returned sensor and areconfirming switch. The device comprises CPU 11 for performing variouskinds of operation and control in accordance with its program, ROM 12for storing the program and various kinds of message information, RAM 13for storing a confirmed time, etc., an oscillator circuit 14 forgenerating a standard frequency, a frequency divider circuit 15 fordividing the standard frequency into a time clock frequency, a clockcircuit 16 for measuring time upon the time clock frequency, a displayunit driving circuit 17, a liquid crystal display unit 18, a compoundsound generating circuit 19, a speaker 20, the key-taken out orkey-returned sensor 4 and the reconfirming switch 7.

[0044] A key-taken out or key-returned sensor 4 as a lock-confirmedsignal generating means generates a signal S representing that a usertakes a key out of a key holder portion or a key case, and inputs it tothe PCU 11. A reconfirming switch 7 inputs a reconfirming signal S5 tothe CPU 11.

[0045] The ROM 12 includes a program memory portion 12 a for storingcontrol program, etc., for CPU 11, a message information memory portion12 b for storing a lock-calling message, a melody information memoryportion 12 c for storing such melodies as make a user feel at ease, anda character information memory portion 12 d for storing such imagecharacters as give the user feeling of game. RAM 13 includes a confirmedtime memory portion 13 a. The confirmed time stored in the confirmedtime memory portion 13 a is the time when the user has done the lockconfirmation. In this embodiment, the time measured by the clock circuit16 at the moment when a key-taken out or key-returned signal S is inputinto CPU 11 is stored as the confirmed time.

[0046] A clock timer means is constituted of the oscillator circuit 14for generating the standard frequency, the frequency divider circuit 15for dividing the standard frequency into the time clock frequency andthe clock circuit 16 for measuring time upon the time clock frequency. Amemory means is constituted of ROM 12 and RAM 13. CPU 11 and ROM 12constitutes various kinds of control means.. Furthermore, a display andspeaker means comprises, in combination, an image display meansconsisting of the display unit driving circuit 17 and the liquid crystaldisplay unit 18, and a sound annunciation means consisting of thecompound sound generating circuit 19 and the speaker 20.

[0047] A lock-confirmation supporting device as shown in FIG. 2 ischaracterized by a locking sound sensor and a reconfirming switch. Thedevice comprises CPU 11 for performing various kinds of operation andcontrol in accordance with its program, ROM 12 for storing the programand various kinds of message information, RAM 13 for storing a confirmedtime, etc., an oscillator circuit 14 for generating a standardfrequency, a frequency divider circuit 15 for dividing the standardfrequency into a time clock frequency, a clock circuit 16 for measuringtime upon the time clock frequency, a display unit driving circuit 17, aliquid crystal display unit 18, a compound sound generating circuit 19,a speaker 20, a locking sound sensor 5 and a reconfirming switch 7.

[0048] The locking sound sensor 5, which is a lock-confirmed signalgenerating means, senses a metallic sound like [GACHA] occurring at thetime of locking, namely, when a key is inserted into a keyhole and thenturned in the direction of locking. The locking sound sensor 5 dealswith locking sound signals sensed by a microphone, for example, via asignal processing circuit and generates a pulse signal. The signalprocessing circuit includes filters and amplifiers.

[0049] The clock means, the memory means, various kinds of control meansand the display and speaker means in FIG. 2 are basically the same asthose in FIG. 1.

[0050] A lock-confirmation supporting device as shown in FIG. 3 ischaracterized by a key-taken out or key-returned sensor, a locking soundsensor and a reconfirming switch. The device comprises CPU 11 forperforming various kinds of operation and control in accordance with itsprogram, ROM 12 for storing the program and various kinds of messageinformation, RAM 13 for storing a confirmed time, etc., an oscillatorcircuit 14 for generating a standard frequency, a frequency dividercircuit 15 for dividing the standard frequency into a time clockfrequency, a clock circuit 16 for measuring time upon the time clockfrequency, a display unit driving circuit 17, a liquid crystal displayunit 18, a compound sound generating circuit 19, a speaker 20, thelocking sound sensor 5 and the reconfirming switch 7.

[0051] The lock-confirmed signal generating means in FIG. 3 is the sameas the locking sound sensor 5 in FIG. 2. A clock means, a memory means,various kinds of control means and a display and speaker means in FIG. 3are basically the same as those in FIG. 1.

[0052] Next, referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, four embodiments of alock-confirmation supporting device of the present invention, each ofwhich is different in a perspective view, will be explained.

[0053]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a key-taken out orkey-returned sensor as a lock-confirmed signal generating means. Thelock-confirmation supporting device is constituted of a key holderportion 2 and an electronic clock portion 3. Those are stored in thecase 10 of the electronic clock portion, in which an upper case 10 a anda bottom case 10 b are coupled by a hinge. Positioned in the upper case10 a are CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, an oscillator circuit 14, a frequencydivider circuit 15, a clock circuit 16, a display unit driving circuit17, a compound sound generating circuit 19 and a speaker 20. A blockdiagram of the lock-confirmation supporting device in FIG. 4 is as shownin FIG. 3.

[0054] A liquid crystal display unit 18 is also positioned in the uppercase 10 a. The numeral “09:16” displayed on the liquid crystal display18 represents that the lock confirmation was done at sixteen past nine.

[0055] A recess 10 c is formed in the bottom case 10 b. In the recess 10c, a reconfirming switch 7, a reset switch 8, a manual input switch. 22and an check confirmation switch 23 are positioned. In the bottom case10 b, a liquid crystal display on/off switch 24 is also positioned. Theliquid crystal display on/off switch 24 makes the liquid display unit 18off when a lid, i.e. the upper case is closed and makes it on when thelid is opened.

[0056] A key holder portion 2 of a pocket type is formed in the bottomcase 10 b. In FIG. 4, a key 1 such as a key cylinder or a car key isshown as it is inserted into the key holder portion 2. A key-taken outor key-returned sensor 4 is positioned inside the key holder 2 andgenerates a key-taken out or key-returned signal upon sense of takingout or return of the key 1. The details of the key-taken out orkey-returned sensor is explained later, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0057]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a locking sound sensoras a lock-confirmed signal generating means. A lock-confirmationsupporting device in FIG. 5 is the same as shown in FIG. 4 except forthe use of the locking sound sensor in place of the key-taken out orkey-returned sensor 4. In FIG. 5, a lock-confirmed signal is generatedby the locking sound sensor 5. A microphone 5 a, one of the elements ofthe locking sound sensor, is positioned in the bottom case 10 b of anelectronic clock portion. A block diagram of this lock-confirmationsupporting device is as shown in FIG. 3.

[0058]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a manual input switch asa lock-confirmed signal generating means. This lock-confirmationsupporting device is the same as shown in FIG. 4 except for the use of amanual input switch 22 in place of the key-taken out or key-returnedsensor 4. That is, a key holder portion 2 of a pocket type simplyfunctions as a key holder for a key 1 and does not generate alock-confirmed signal. In FIG. 5, the lock-confirmed signal is generatedby the users' action of the manual input switch 22 positioned in thebottom case 10 b of the electronic clock portion. In FIG. 6, the key 1inserted into the key holder portion 2 of is a plastic card key for usein an electronic lock. A block diagram of this lock-confirmationsupporting device is as shown in FIG. 1, in which the manual inputswitch is used in place of the key-taken out or key-returned sensor 4.

[0059]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to the present invention using a lid-open/close sensoras a lock-confirmed signal generating means. This lock-confirmationsupporting device is the same as shown in FIG. 4 except for the use of alid-open/close sensor in place of the key-taken out or key-returnedsensor 4. A block diagram of this lock-confirmation supporting device isas shown in FIG. 1, in which the lid-open/close sensor is used in placeof the key-taken out or key-returned sensor 4. The details of thelid-open/close sensor is explained later, referring to FIG. 9.

[0060] Next, referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the structure and operation ofthe key holder portion 2, in which the lock-confirmed means forgenerating a lock-confirmed signal is provided, will be explained.

[0061]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the key holder portion 2 with akey-taken out or key-returned sensing switch. FIG. 9 is a drawing forexplanation of the structure and operation of the key-taken out orkey-returned sensor which generates a lock-confirmed signal S by thekey-taken out or key-returned sensing switch 25. In FIG. 8, thekey-taken out or key-returned sensing switch 25 is positioned in a case9 of a pocket type made of insulating member. The key-taken out orkey-returned sensing switch 25 is consisting of a movable contact member25 a and fixed contact member 25 b made of conductivity flat spring,respectively. The movable contact member 25 a also functions as anelastic holding member. That is, the key 1 inserted into the key holderportion 2 is held by elasticity of the movable contact member 25 a andis prevented from falling off while being carried.

[0062] In FIG. 8(A), the key is shown in the state of being taken out ofthe key holder portion 2. In FIG. 8(B), the key is shown in the state ofbeing inserted or held in the key holder portion 2. As obvious fromthese Figures, the key-taken out or key-returned sensing switch 25 isoff when the key is held and on when taken out.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9(A), the movable contact member 25 a of thekey-taken out or key-returned sensing switch 25 is connected to one ofthe input terminals of the lock-confirmed signal generating circuit 21,while a fixed contact member 25 b of the switch 25 is connected to theother of the input terminals. Thereby, the key-taken out or key-returnedsensing switch 25 senses the key-taken out or key-return, generates aon/off signal SO, and inputs it to the lock-confirmed signal generatingcircuit 21. The on/off signal SO is processed by the lock-confirmedsignal generating circuit 21 and a lock-confirmed signal S is generated.Although the lock-confirmed signal generating circuit 21 is constitutedof logic circuit elements, e.g. flip-flop circuits, etc., it might be asuitable I/O circuit through which the signal S is input to CPU 11.

[0064] In FIG. 9, the lock-confirmed signal S is generated as akey-taken out signal S1 or a key-returned signal S2. That is, as shownin FIG. 9(B), the lock-confirmed signal generating circuit 21 outputsthe key-taken out signal S1 upon detection of a leading edge of theswitch open/close signal S0 and the key-returned signal S2 upondetection of a trailing edge of the on/off signal S0 respectively.

[0065]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a key holder portion 2 having alid-open/close sensor. In FIG. 10 showing a lid in its open state, acase 9 of the key holder portion 2 is constituted of an upper case 9 aand a bottom case 9 b pivotally coupled by a hinge. A lid-open/closesensor has a lid-open/close sensing switch having an actuating pin 6 a.The lid-open/close sensing switch is positioned in the bottom case 9 b.When a user opens the lid of the case 9 to take out a key 1, theactuating pin 6 a makes the lid-open/close sensing switch “on”,indicating that the lid of the key holder portion 2 has been opened.After being locked or unlocked, the user returns the key to the keyholder and closes the lid. Upon the closing of the lid of the key holderthe actuating pin 6 a is pushed by the upper case 9 a and makes thelid-open/close sensing switch “off”. Thus, the lid-open/close sensingswitch generates on/off signal. The on/off signal is processed by thelock-confirmed signal generating circuit as shown in FIG. 9 and is usedas the lock-confirmed signal.

[0066] In FIG. 10, the case 9 of the key holder portion is shown as aseparate body from the case 10 of the electronic clock portion, but itis desirable that these cases are formed integrally because thelid-open/close sensing switch and the electronic clock portion areconnected by a conductor. Although the operation pin 6 a is shown as itis inserted into a hole 1 a of a head of the key 1, this has no directrelation with the sense of the key-taken out or key-return.

[0067] Next, referring to FIGS. 11 to 15, the operation of thelock-confirmation supporting device of the present invention will beexplained.

[0068]FIG. 11 is a basic flow chart of the lock confirmation operationcommon to the lock-confirmation supporting devices according to thepresent invention.

[0069] That is to say, a lock-confirmed signal S in FIG. 11 isautomatically or manually generated in the process of a series of user'sactions for locking wherein the user takes the key out of the key holderportion 2, locks by using it and returns it to the key holder portion 2after being locked. When CPU 11 detects said lock-confirmed signal S(101), it makes a confirmed time memory portion 13 a of RAM 13 store thereal time measured by the clock circuit 16 as a confirmed time T (102).Next, CPU 11 reads the confirmed time T out of the confirmed time memoryportion 13 a of RAM 13, controls the display unit driving circuit 17 todisplay the time T on the liquid crystal display unit 18, gives it tothe compound sound generating circuit 19, converts it into a soundmessage, and provides the message through the speaker 20 (103).

[0070]FIG. 12 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the lock confirmationoperation of the lock-confirmation supporting device of the presentinvention as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the perspective viewof FIG. 4, and the functional block diagram of FIG. 17.

[0071] That is to say, in FIG. 12, when a user takes the key 1 out ofthe key holder portion 2, the key-taken out or key-returned sensor 4senses said action and generates the key-taken out signal S1. Then, thelock-confirmation supporting device initiates a lock confirmationoperation program. Namely, when CPU 11 detects the key-taken out signalS1 (201), it searches the confirmed time memory portion 13 a of RAM 13whether the confirmed time T is stored or not (202). In case theconfirmed time T is not stored, CPU 11 reads out lock-calling messageinformation stored in the message information memory portion 12 b,controls the display unit driving circuit 17 to display on the liquidcrystal display unit 18 the lock-calling message of “SEJOU” in Chinese,for example, gives it to the compound sound generating circuit 19 forconversion to a sound message, and informs the user of the lock-callingmessage such as “Please lock.”, via a speaker (203).

[0072] When the user finish locking and return the key to the key holderportion 2, the key-taken out or key-returned sensor senses this actionand generates the key-returned signal S2. When CPU 11 detects the signalS2 (204), CPU 11 makes the confirmed time memory portion 13 a of RAM 13store the real time measured by the clock timer circuit 16 as theconfirmed time T (205). Next, CPU 11 reads the confirmed time T out ofthe confirming time memory portion 13 a of RAM 13, controls the displayunit driving circuit 17 to display the time T on the liquid crystaldisplay unit 18, gives it to the compound sound generating circuit 19,converts it into the sound message, and informs the user of the messagevia the speaker 20 (103).

[0073] The confirmed time is displayed on the liquid crystal display 18with the numeral “09:16”, and is informed with the sound message such as“It is now nine sixteen.,” or “Lock was confirmed. It is now ninesixteen.,” via the speaker 20 (206). The user reconfirms the lockconfirmation by the information of the confirmed time. In this case,almost all the users are to be conscious of the time “9:16”, and to keepin mind that the lock confirmation was done at the time “9:16” as akeyword. Thus, users keep in mind that the lock was done, in the processof a series of the locking actions or immediately after being locked.This lock confirmation is more easily and surely made by using thelock-confirmation supporting device of the present invention.

[0074] The confirmed time kept in mind can be remembered clearly. If itis within at least about an hour after going-out, it is obvious thatalmost all the users clearly remember the confirmed time. They canremember the fact that they have confirmed locking by remembering theconfirmed time. Accordingly, it is possible to greatly reduce uneasinessof users when it is uncertain whether locking has been done or not bydepending upon only the memory promoting effect of the lock-confirmationsupporting device of the present invention.

[0075] When the informing of confirmed time is completed at the step206, CPU 11 terminates the lock confirmation program.

[0076] When the user who locked returns home and take the key 1 out ofthe key holder portion 2 to unlock, the key-taken out or key-returnedsensor 4 senses this action and generates the key taken out signal S1.Then, the lock-confirmation supporting device initiates the lockconfirmation program. Namely, when CPU 11 detects the key-taken outsignal S1 (201), it searches the confirmed time memory portion 13 a ofRAM 13 whether the confirmed time T is stored or not (202). In case theconfirmed time T is stored, CPU 11 resets (207) and terminates the lockconfirmation program. In this way, the reset of the lock-confirmationsupporting device is automatically performed.

[0077] At the above-mentioned step 206, image character display ormelody performance may be done with the notification of the confirmedtime. The image character display is done as follows. CPU 11 reads thecharacter information out of the character information memory portion 12c, and controls the display unit driving circuit 17 on the bases of thecharacter information to display the image character on the liquidcrystal display unit 18. The melody performance is done as follows. CPU11 reads the melody information out of the melody information memoryportion 12 d gives it to the compound sound generating circuit 19 forconversion to a melody, and casts the melody via the speaker 20. Theseproduce effects of promoting both memorization and use on the users. Inthe flow chart of FIG. 12, steps 205 and 206 are changeable.

[0078]FIG. 13 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the lock confirmationoperation of the lock-confirmation supporting device of the presentinvention as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, the perspective viewof FIG. 5, and the functional block diagram of FIG. 18.

[0079] That is to say, in FIG. 13, when a user takes the key 1 out ofthe key holder portion 2, the key-taken out or key-returned sensor 4senses this action and generates the key-taken out signal S1. Then, thelock-confirmation supporting device initiates a lock confirmationoperation program. When CPU 11 detects the key-taken out signal S1(301), it searches the confirmed time memory portion 13 a of RAM 13whether the confirmed time T is stored or not (302). In case theconfirmed time T is not stored, CPU 11 reads out the check confirmationcalling message stored in the message information memory portion 12 b,controls the display unit driving circuit 17 to display on the liquidcrystal display unit 18 the check confirmation calling message of“KAKUNIN” in Chinese, for example, gives it to the compound soundgenerating circuit 19 for conversion to a sound message, and notifiesthe safety check calling message such as “Please make a safety check.”,via a speaker (303).

[0080] When the user operate the check confirmation switch 23 aftersafety check, a check confirmation signal S4 is generated. CPU 11detects this signal S4 (304). Thus, a user can make a safety checkconfirmation.

[0081] Following the safety check confirmation, when the user insertsthe key into the keyhole and locks, the lock sound sensor 5 generates alocking sound signal S3. Then, CPU 11 detects the check confirmationsignal S4 (305), it makes the confirmed time memory portion 13 a of RAM13 store the real time measured by the clock circuit 16 as the confirmedtime T (306). Next, CPU 11 reads the confirmed time T out of theconfirmed time memory portion 13 a of RAM 13, controls the display unitdriving circuit 17 to display the time T on the liquid crystal displayunit 18, gives it to the compound sound generating circuit 19 forconversion to a sound message, and notifies the message via the speaker20 (307).

[0082] When the notification of the confirmed time is completed at thestep 307, CPU 11 terminates the lock confirmation program.

[0083] In case a user does not push a check confirmation switch 23within a predetermined time, for example, one minute after thenotification of the check confirmation calling message, CPU 11 detectsthis (308) and terminates a check confirmation program. In such a caseas the user takes much time in check confirmation, CPU 11 initiates thecheck confirmation program again. Similarly, in case the user did notlock within the predetermined time, CPU 11 detects this (309) andterminates the check confirmation program.

[0084] When the user who locked return home and takes the key 1 out ofthe key holder portion 2 to unlock, a key-taken out or key-returnedsensor 4 senses this action and generates a key-taken out signal S1.Then, the lock-confirmation supporting device initiates a lockconfirmation program. Namely, when CPU 11 detects the key-taken outsignal S1 (301), it searches the confirmed time memory portion 13 a ofRAM 13 whether the confirmed time T is stored or not (302). In case theconfirmed time T is stored, CPU 11 resets (310) and terminates the lockconfirmation program. In this way, the reset of the lock-confirmationsupporting device is automatically performed.

[0085] In the flow chart of FIG. 13, steps 304 and 305 are changeable.Similarly, steps 306 and 307 are changeable.

[0086] The lock-confirmation supporting devices of the present inventioncan greatly reduce uneasiness of the users when it is uncertain whetherlocking has been done or not by only the effect of promotingmemorization of the lock-confirmation supporting device. Moreover, itcan more greatly reduce uneasiness by reconfirming after being locked.The operation of reconfirming locking after going-out is performed inaccordance with the flow chart of FIG. 14.

[0087] That is to say, in FIG. 14, when users operate reconfirmingswitch 7, the reconfirming signal S5 is generated. Then, thelock-confirmation supporting device initiates a reconfirming program.When CPU 11 detects the reconfirming signal S5 (401), it searches theconfirmed time memory portion 13 a of RAM 13 whether the confirmed timeT is stored or not (402). In case the confirmed time T is stored, CPU 11again notifies the confirmed time T (403) and terminates thereconfirming program. The notification of the confirmed time T isperformed by displaying numerals “09:16” on the liquid crystal display18 and with the sound message such as “Lock was confirmed at ninesixteen.” via the speaker 20 (206).

[0088] In this way, users can easily reconfirm the lock after going-out.Accordingly, by using the lock-confirmation supporting device of thepresent invention, uneasiness of users when it is uncertain whetherlocking has been done or not can be greatly reduced. In case ofgoing-out in a hurry, users are deaf to the notification of theconfirmed time. In other words, it may occur that locking and the lockconfirmation will be made unconsciously. In such a case the reconfirmingfunction of the lock-confirmation supporting device is very reliable tousers.

[0089]FIG. 15 is a flow chart of reset operation of thelock-confirmation supporting device according to the present invention.

[0090] For instance, such reset operation is done in case it isunnecessary to unlock because an inmate has already returned home.Namely, when a reset signal is input, a safety check-confirmingsupporting device initiates the reset operation program. When CPU 11detects the reset signal (501), it makes the reset operation (502). Whenthe reset operation is completed, CPU 11 terminates the reset program.Usually, the reset signal is input by a manual switch. Needless to say,it may be possible to reset automatically. For example, the reset signalmay be generated by sensing the predetermined time, e.g. 0:00 of a clockcircuit 16.

[0091] Next, referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the embodiment as shown infunctional block diagram of the lock-confirmation supporting device ofthe present invention will be explained.

[0092] The feature of the lock-confirmation supporting device as shownin FIG. 16 is its simple structure.

[0093] That is to say, a lock-confirmation supporting device as shown inFIG. 16 uses a key-taken out or key-returned sensing means 33 as alock-confirmed signal generating means. The device comprises a real timeclock means 30 for measuring time, a memory means 31 for storing variouskinds of information, an information means 32 for informing variouskinds of messages, a key-taken out or key-returned sensing means 33 forgenerating a key-taken out or key-returned signal S by sensing themoment when the user takes the key out of the key holder or returned itthereto, a first confirmed time-informing control means 36 for makingthe memory means 31 store the real time measured by the real time clockmeans 30 as the confirmed time upon the key-returned signal S1, and forcontrolling the information means 32 to inform the user of the confirmedtime, a reconfirming signal means 38 for inputting reconfirming signalS5, a second confirmed time-informing control means 39 for making theinformation means 32 inform again the confirmed time read out of thememory means 31 upon the reconfirming signal S5, and a realtime-informing control means 41 for making the information means 32inform the user of the real time measured by the real time clock means30.

[0094] The feature of the lock-confirmation supporting device as shownin FIG. 17 is to inform a lock-calling message.

[0095] That is to say, a lock-confirmation supporting device as shown inFIG. 17 uses a key-returned sensing means 35 as a lock-confirmed signalgenerating means. The device comprises a real time clock means 30 formeasuring time, a memory means 31 for storing various kinds ofinformation, an information means 32 for informing various kinds ofmessages, a key-taken out sensing means 34 for generating a key-takenout signal S1 by sensing the moment when the user takes the key out ofthe key holder, a calling message informing control means 37 for makingthe information means 32 inform the user of a lock-calling message readfrom the memory means 31 upon the key-taken out signal S1, akey-returned sensing means 35 for generating a key-returned signal S2,by sensing the moment when the user returns the key return to the keyholder, a first confirmed time-informing control means 36 for making thememory means 31 store the real time measured by the real time clockmeans 30 as the confirmed time upon the key-returned signal S1, and forcontrolling the information means 32 to inform the user of the confirmedtime, a reconfirming signal means 38 for inputting reconfirming signalS5, a second confirmed time-informing control means 39 for making theinformation means 32 inform the user of the confirmed time read out ofthe memory means 31 upon the reconfirming signal S5, and a realtime-informing control means 41 for making the information means 32inform the user of the real time measured by the real time clock means30.

[0096] In FIG. 17, the signal to start the lock-calling operation is thekey-taken out signal S1.

[0097] The feature of the lock-confirmation supporting device as shownin FIG. 18 is to inform a check confirmation calling message withrespect to a safety check confirmation of gas, electricity, fasteningthe doors, etc., of the house or of a check confirmation of the personaleffects and to store and inform the confirmed time when a checkconfirmation signal and a locking sound signal are input.

[0098] That is to say, a lock-confirmation supporting device as shown inFIG. 18 uses a locking sound sensing means 40 as a lock-confirmed signalgenerating means. The device comprises a real time clock means 30 formeasuring time, a memory means 31 for storing various kinds ofinformation, an information means 32 for informing various kinds ofmessages, a key-taken out sensing means 34 for generating a key-takenout signal S1 by sensing the moment when the user takes the key out ofthe key holder portion, a calling message informing control means 37 formaking the information means 32 inform the user of a lock-callingmessage read from the memory means 31 upon the key-taken out signal S1,a check-confirmed signal input means 42 for inputting a check-confirmedsignal S4 representing that the check confirmation has been made, alocking sound sensing means 40 for generating a locking sound signal S3by sensing a locking sound, a first confirmed time-informing controlmeans 36 for making the memory means 31 store the real time measured bythe real time clock means 30 as the confirmed time upon both of thelocking sound signal S3 and the check-confirmed signal S4 and forcontrolling the information means 32 to inform the user of the confirmedtime, a reconfirming signal means 38 for inputting reconfirming signalS5, a second confirmed time-informing control means 39 for making theinformation means 32 inform the user of the confirmed time read out ofthe memory means 31 upon the reconfirming signal S5, and a realtime-informing control means 41 for making the information means 32inform the user of the real time measured by the real time clock means30.

[0099] In FIG. 18, the signal to start the lock-calling operation is thekey-taken out signal S1.

[0100] As contrasted functional block diagrams of FIGS. 16 through 18with block diagrams of FIGS. 1 through 3 and perspective views of FIGS.4 through 7, the key-taken out or key-returned sensing means 33corresponds to the key-taken out or key-returned sensor 4. Also thekey-taken out sensing means 34 and the key-returned sensing means 35correspond to the key-taken out or key-returned sensor 4. The lockingsound sensing means 40 corresponds to the locking sound sensor 5. Thereconfirming signal input means 38 corresponds to the reconfirmingswitch 7. The check confirmation signal input means 42 corresponds tothe check confirmation switch 23.

[0101] The real time clock means 30 corresponds to the clock timercircuit 16. The information means 32 corresponds to the display meansconsisting of the display unit driving circuit 17 and the liquid crystaldisplay unit 18 and the sound information means consisting of thespeaker 20 and the compound sound generating circuit 19. The memorymeans 31 is constituted of ROM 12 and ROM 13. The first confirmedtime-informing control means 36, the calling message informing controlmeans 37, the second confirmed time-informing control means 39 and thereal time-informing control means 41 are each constituted of CPU 11 andROM 12.

[0102] Although the lock-calling message is given by the embodiments ofthe announcement through the speaker, or the display of letters,numerals, image characters on the liquid crystal display, or both ofthem, it is possible to use brink of light, buzzer sound, vibration, andso on. It is also possible to use the brink of light, buzzer sound,vibration, and so on, instead of confirmed time at the reconfirmation.

[0103] In the lock-confirmation supporting device of the presentinvention, as the function for informing the real time of the electronicclock portion is accomplished by the real time clock means 30, theinformation means 32 and the real time-informing control means 41, thereal time informing function itself has no direct relation to thepresent invention. Accordingly, the detailed explanation of the functionis omitted.

[0104] Obviously from the detailed explanation so far, thelock-confirmation supporting device of the present invention ischaracterized by the following points:

[0105] The first, at the time of the locking, the lock-confirmationsupporting device helps the user to do the lock confirmation with usingthe senses of a human being more securely, because the lock-confirmationsupporting device makes the display and/or the speaker inform the userof the real time measured by the electronic clock as the confirmed timeat the time right after the lock operation.

[0106] The second, after being locked, the lock reconfirmation can beeasily made, because the lock-confirmation supporting device makes thedisplay and/or the speaker inform the user of the confirmed time storedin the RAM.

[0107] The third, the lock confirmation supporting device of the presentinvention is inexpensive, because it has no expensive and complexoperation sensors such as the electronic, mechanical orelectro-mechanical lock-sensing means which are used in the conventionallock-confirmation devices.

[0108] The fourth, the lock-confirmation supporting device of thepresent invention can be widely applied to different kinds of keys inshapes and sizes including those which are popularly used for locksattached to doors of houses and cars.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0109] By making use of the lock-confirmation supporting device of thepresent invention, it has greatly become possible for users to reducetheir uneasiness, in case they are not certain whether locking has beendone or not. By making use of another lock-confirmation supportingdevice of the present invention having further function for safetycheck-calling, it has greatly become possible for users to reduce theiruneasiness, in case they are not certain whether they have made safetycheck or not. Furthermore, in case of applying a lock-confirmationsupporting device of the present invention to a key system of a car, itis very convenient for the users to use the lock-confirmed time as thestarting time of parking at a toll parking lot.

1. A lock-confirmation supporting device having a key holder in which akey is held and out of which it is taken by a user for locking,comprising: a real time clock for measuring time, a memory means forstoring the lock-confirmed time, a display means for displaying thelock-confirmed time, a means for generating a lock-confirmed signal uponthe user's key-returned action right after the locking operation, amanual switch for inputting a reconfirming signal, and a control meanseffective, upon the lock-confirmed signal, to store the real timemeasured by said real time clock as the lock-confirmed time in saidmemory means and to make said display means inform the user of thelock-confirmed time, and upon the reconfirming signal, to read thelock-confirmed time from said memory means and to make the display meansinform the user of the lock-confirmed time.
 2. A lock-confirmationsupporting device according to claim 1 wherein said key holder has apocket in which a key is held and out of which it is taken by a user forlocking, and said means for generating a lock-confirmed signal includesa key-returned sensing switch which is positioned in the pocket andsenses the moment when the key is returned to the pocket of the keyholder.
 3. A lock-confirmation supporting device according to claim 1wherein said key holder has a case with a lid in which a key is held andof out which it is taken by a user for locking, and said means forgenerating a lock-confirmed signal includes a lid-open/close sensingswitch which is positioned in the case and senses the moment when thelid is closed after the user returns the key to the case of the keyholder.
 4. A lock-confirmation supporting device according to claim 1further comprising a speaker means for announcing the lock-confirmedtime, and said control means effective, upon the lock-confirmed signal,to store the real time measured by said real time clock as thelock-confirmed time in said memory and to make said speaker meansannounce the lock-confirmed time, and upon the reconfirming signal, toread the lock-confirmed time from said memory means and to make thespeaker means announce the lock-confirmed time
 5. A lock-confirmationsupporting device having a key holder in which a key is held and of outwhich it is taken by a user for locking, comprising: a real time clockmeans for measuring time, a memory means for storing the lock-confirmedtime, an information means for informing the lock-confirmed time and thecalling message, a key-taken out sensing means for generating akey-taken out signal by sensing the moment when the user takes the keyout of the key holder, a calling message informing control means formaking the information means inform the user of the calling message readout of the memory means upon the key-taken out signal, a key-returnedsensing means for generating a key-returned signal by sensing the momentwhen the user returns the key to the key holder, a first confirmedtime-informing control means for making the memory means store the realtime measured by the real time clock means as the confirmed time, andfor controlling the information means to inform the user of theconfirmed time upon the key-returned signal, a reconfirming signal meansfor inputting reconfirming signal, and a second confirmed time-informingcontrol means for making the information means inform the user of theconfirmed time read out of said memory means upon the reconfirmingsignal.
 6. A lock-confirmation supporting device according to claim 5wherein said key holder has a pocket in which a key is held and out ofwhich it is taken by a user for locking, and said means for generating alock-confirmed signal includes a key-returned sensing switch which ispositioned in the pocket and senses the moment when the key is returnedto the pocket of the key holder.
 7. A lock-confirmation supportingdevice according to claim 5 wherein said key holder has a case with aled in which a key is held and out of which it is taken by a user forlocking, and said means for generating a lock-confirmed signal includesa lid-open/close sensing switch which is positioned in the case andsenses the moment when the lid is closed after the user returns the keyto the case of the key holder.
 8. A lock-confirmation supporting deviceaccording to claim 5 wherein said calling message is the key-lockcalling message.
 9. A lock-confirmation supporting device according toclaim 5 wherein said calling message is the safety check callingmessage.
 10. A lock-confirmation supporting device according to claim 5wherein the information means includes the liquid crystal display.
 11. Alock-confirmation supporting device according to claim 5 wherein theinformation means includes the speaker.